Ancient River

Ancient river of Presence,

may I step into you now?

May I wade in your stillness

and be swept away?

Ancient river drowning

my breath in waters of silence,

your ripples never the same,

yet always one, river

of unspeakable light

hidden in darkness,

may I meet the Beloved beside you?

I will bring my friend to quench her lips

in your wild current of sweetness.

I will say, "Let us go down to the river,

the ancient river of silence."

I will say, "Come, meet me there,

but not tomorrow! Do not wait

until tomorrow!"



Painting: Valley of the Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt